Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Berkeley, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Berkeley are University Terrace, Southside, and South Berkeley. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Berkeley, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of March 20, 2026, the average rent in Berkeley is $2,258, which is 0.6% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
University Terrace
Average Rent
$1,597/Month
Units Available
12 Rentals
University Terrace is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $1,597. Compare this to the city average of $2,258. University Terrace provides easy access to UC Berkeley, Southside Square, and San Francisco International.
Southside
Average Rent
$1,836/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
Units Available
18 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, Southside might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,836, while the city’s average stands at $2,258. In the last year, prices have decreased by 1.3%. Southside is near Macarthur, UC Berkeley, and Downtown Berkeley.
South Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,522/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.7%
Units Available
211 Rentals
South Berkeley is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in South Berkeley is $2,522 while the city average is $2,258. This is a 1.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to UC Berkeley Museum of Paleontology, San Francisco International, and People's Park.
Downtown Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,683/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
Units Available
348 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Downtown Berkeley. The average rent is $2,683, compared to the city average of $2,258. Rent prices have increased by 0.6%. Downtown Berkeley is convenient to University and Jepson Herbaria, Habitot Children's Museum, and Rockridge.
Spaulding at Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,685/Month
Units Available
28 Rentals
Spaulding at Berkeley is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $2,685. Compare this to the city average of $2,258. Spaulding at Berkeley provides easy access to UC Berkeley, Strawberry Creek Park, and Samuel Merritt University.
Aquatic Park
Average Rent
$2,697/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
7.6%
Units Available
12 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, Aquatic Park might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,697, while the city’s average stands at $2,258. In the last year, prices have increased by 7.6%. Aquatic Park is near The Public Market, San Francisco Bay Trail (at Emeryville), and McLaughlin Eastshore State Park.
San Pablo Park
Average Rent
$2,715/Month
Units Available
11 Rentals
San Pablo Park is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in San Pablo Park is $2,715 while the city average is $2,258. Residents enjoy convenient access to Samuel Merritt University, Cedar-Rose Park, and Downtown Berkeley.
Poet's Corner
Average Rent
$2,716/Month
Units Available
24 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Poet's Corner. The average rent is $2,716, compared to the city average of $2,258. Poet's Corner is convenient to El Cerrito Plaza Station, San Francisco International, and Berkeley City College.
North Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,783/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.7%
Units Available
142 Rentals
North Berkeley is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $2,783. Compare this to the city average of $2,258. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 1.7%. North Berkeley provides easy access to Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, Live Oak Park, and Berkeley Rose Garden.
Southwest Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,811/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.5%
Units Available
67 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, Southwest Berkeley might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,811, while the city’s average stands at $2,258. In the last year, prices have decreased by 0.5%. Southwest Berkeley is near The Public Market, Strawberry Creek Park, and Habitot Children's Museum.
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Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.